Guatemala to Belize

Hola! Welcome to Antigua – a colourful World Heritage city surrounded by three volcanoes that once served as the capital of Guatemala. Today, it’s a cosmopolitan hub filled with cool coffee shops and international restaurants that are often buzzing with live music. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps experience Antigua’s great music scene with a salsa dance class or learn about the history of chocolate with a workshop at the ChocoMuseo.

This morning, join your leader on a walking tour of Antigua’s historic streets. The city was greatly affected by an earthquake in 1773, but a lot of work went into restoring the buildings that date back to the time of the Spanish government. Your leader will show you the many markets and museums that make up the city, then you have the afternoon free to explore the city and its surroundings. While you’re here, don't miss the chance to taste a tamale (a local dish served in a corn leaf) or pepian (a meaty dish of chicken, beef, pork or all three, in a rich sauce). You’ll find the best value food next to the markets near the bus station.

Today, you’ll make your way to Rio Dulce by private vehicle, arriving mid-afternoon. Along the way, your leader will give you an informal Spanish lesson. Rio Dulce, which means 'Sweet River' in Spanish, refers to both the Guatemalan river that flows from Lago de Izabal (Lake Izabal) to the Caribbean Sea and the town of Fronteras, which sits at the east end of the lake. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free to rest or explore at your own pace. Maybe stretch your legs on a jungle walk, rent a kayak and get out on the water or take it easy in a hammock.

Join your group on a boat ride down the river to Livingston – a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. Just 30 km (18 m) from Rio Dulce, this boat ride is spectacular, taking you through waters filled with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon full of river birds. Spend a little time here and enjoy an included lunch of local specialties like tapou (a creamy soup made with fish).

Travel to the township of Flores on Lago Peten Itza. On the way, visit Nuevo Horizonte – a ranch where 130 demobilised families settled after the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords in 1998. Since their arrival, the community has established fish-farming, agriculture, reforestation and eco-tourism projects. Tour their nature reserve, have lunch on the ranch and speak to the locals about the origins of the community. Continue to Flores, where you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Spend your free afternoon wandering the island’s streets or shop for local handicrafts. Around 4 pm, the lakefront starts to hum with street food vendors, making it a good place to grab a bite for dinner.

Get up early for a guided exploration of Tikal National Park. Among the thick, evergreen jungle are some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation, plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys. Spend a few hours playing archaeologist before you learn the art of tortilla making at a local workshop. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch, then say goodbye to Guatemala and head across the border to Belize. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is a great place to get chatting with locals.

Today is a free day to relax in San Ignacio or explore at your own pace. You could take on the challenge of hiking and wading through a river to visit the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM caves) – a living museum of Maya relics, home to ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved for over 1400 years. If you choose to explore the cave system (and it is highly recommended), you’ll spend most of the day here. If not, there are always more local ruins to explore above ground, including Cahal Pech, which was once the residence of a wealthy Maya family. Nature lovers may be interested in a trip to the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

If your idea of paradise is white sand, clear blue waters and palm trees, then you’re going to enjoy Caye Caulker. The island even has the motto ‘go slow’. Take a scenic boat ride to the island, followed by a golf cart to your hotel. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk. While the island is entirely walkable, you might like to hire a bike and cycle between beach bars, along quiet palm-lined streets. Water sports enthusiasts might enjoy a spot of stand-up paddleboarding or a sunset catamaran cruise across the Caribbean waters.

Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another day here. If you’re keen to find the best snorkelling spots, opt to take a full-day boat tour. After a day of swimming and lounging in the sunshine, you’ll probably be hungry and Belize is famous for its barbequed food, with the local style of meals being cooked on the roadside. Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster (but always make sure that you respect the season, lobsters can only be caught here between June and February). If you’re out of season, a spot of grilled shrimp is a great alternative.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you'd like to extend your stay in Caye Caulker, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.